The GHAR, which primarily tracks activity in a three-county area, posted the biggest sales increase for the year at 19.5 percent. The area's fourth-quarter sales alone were up 26.2 percent over the same quarter last year.

The 1,774 sales marked the highest fourth quarter since 2009. It was the area's sixth straight quarterly increase, according to historical data provided by the association.

Low interest rates and stable employment levels should keep local housing activity steady, he added. However, there is concern that the decline in new construction brought on by the housing market collapse and credit crunch could mean a supply shortage to meet growing demands.

Builders started on 780,000 homes in 2012, which was 28.1 percent above 2011, the U.S. Commerce Department said last month.

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Jason Scott

Jason Scott covers state government, real estate and construction, media and marketing, and Dauphin County. Have a tip or question for him? Email him at jasons@cpbj.com. Follow him on Twitter, @JScottJournal.
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